Europe · Germany
Why the federal state matters for special education in Germany
Germany’s Länder shape education law and implementation, so a process described for one state may not apply in another.
Last reviewed 6 October 2026
Country-specific guidance
Do not assume an EHCP, US IEP or another country's process applies here. Use the local education framework and current official guidance.
Avoid false equivalence
Do not translate an EHCP or US IEP directly into a supposed German national equivalent.
Find the right authority
Start with the relevant Land education ministry or official school authority, then check the school’s own support and consultation routes.
Record the process
Keep written requests, reports, meeting notes and decisions, especially where the school or authority uses state-specific terminology.